Testimonials

Camp was the experience I needed after cancer. It was a way to be on even levels with people that share the same struggles/experience in life and be able to just have fun and not be the outcast in certain situations." – Lakeshow

You and the leadership team asked us what this trip meant to us, how it had affected us, and what we were taking away from it. My answer was true and from the heart, I had a blast, I learned so much and over came some serious frustration of stand up paddling. Looking back now, I can see how much more Maui meant to me. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about the people, the events, and the experience of it all. When I come face-to-face with an obstacles at work, or in life, I feel I reflect back on my experience with cancer and my experience in Maui. The tenacity and follow through that myself and the entire group showed in Maui gets me through those obstacles at work and in life. Having Cancer has forever changed my life, at times, I feel very alone, as there are few people in my life whom know what it felt like, and how it still affects me. What you have put together, “Athletes For Cancer” and the absolutely unforgettable trip to Hawaii, has given me an amazing group of friends. A group that knows what it feels like to have gone through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. There was an unspoken bond, even when nothing is said, everyone knows the experiences and situations. I’ve spent more time with these people then any organization or event I have ever done in relation to cancer awareness." – Pazooki

The things that are possible with going to an A4C camp should be engraved in stone and advertised in Times Square because they are THAT amazing." – Forte

Camp was such a wonderful rebuilding for me. It put a foundation under my feet that I haven’t felt since my diagnosis." – Dash

I would not be the person I am today without this program. I am living again because of A4C" – Coral

It was so nice to bond with other survivors... I’m so grateful for this experience." – Lalama

Our daughter returned from camp with a renewed sense of spirit and hope because of your program. Thank you!" – Forte’s Mom & Dad

The bonds that were created and the lifelong lessons that I learned are unlike any I’ll ever have the chance of experiencing anywhere else." – Red Cloud

To be honest, in retrospect I had no idea what Athletes 4 Cancer really provided before I went to your camp. I thought I would take some surfing lessons, hang out on the beach, and meet some cool people. I had no idea this camp would change me so completely.
There are certain events in your life that change you forever. You are just not the same person anymore, you can never go back. Cancer is one of those events. It changes how you view everything. Your camp was another one. After cancer treatments you are left with this feeling of “I should make every moment count. I should live life to the absolute fullest.” But there is no one there to tell you how. I personally got lost. I couldn’t just go back to exactly what I was doing before. That wasn’t enough anymore but I struggled to figure out what I could do that would make it better. That’s when Athletes 4 Cancer came into my life.
You showed me that I can make the most of my life by trying new things, taking on a challenge, and breaking out of my box. That no matter how bad things can seem, there is always something fun, exciting, and new for me. I just have to go find them.
Before camp I thought “Surfing is hard. I probably won’t do very well but hopefully it will be fun.” Now I think “I wonder what else I can do that I have been telling myself I couldn’t.” You have showed me that the answer is – a whole lot.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you." – Jersey Girl

I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing week. The opportunity of a lifetime that completely transformed my outlook.”
“Finally I owe you and the rest of the team a HUGE thank you! [Another survivor friend] came to pick me up at the airport and we had a great talk about how camp was a life changing experience. We both agreed while other camps have played a role in our lives last week’s camp has inspired both of us to travel more, try new different things, and overall do more things for ourselves because life is too short. We agreed the camp was great at challenging people and taking everyone out of their comfort zone so they could grow and gain confidence." – Bologna

I had my second interview today for a job and sitting there it hit me how much Athletes 4 Cancer and Camp Koru changed my life. I was able to tell them about the amazing experience and how excited I was to be able to help people as well. I MISS PADDLEBOARDING LIKE NO OTHER!" – Coral

Dear Tonia,
I want to express my gratitude for the extraordinary experience of being a part of Camp Koru this past week in Maui. I was so in my element, being active in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, eating fabulous, healthy food, relaxing and being closer to nature, and most importantly, sharing stories and being with other cancer survivors. All of these parts of camp were rejuvenating and healing. My anxieties and worries dissipated for that entire week. I felt freer and more open.
There is a quality of compassion and truth amongst people who understand the fragility of mortality. As survivors, it seems that we grow a new level of intensity in experiencing the world and the people around us, that can actually make us feel more alone. It is so important to me to have a support system and simply be amongst others who share similar experiences. And even better to challenge ourselves to new physical and mental accomplishments together, like surfing and stand up paddle boarding. We were able to genuinely express ourselves and our identities as cancer survivors. To me, living in this place of 'realness' is bliss.
I am thankful for everything you do to help others who struggle as survivors. I am so inspired by your bravery and strength in turning a tragedy into wonderful opportunities for others. You have such a vibrant, loving, and accepting spirit that made me gravitate towards you.
I would love to volunteer or help this organization flourish in any way that I can. Being a part of the cause is necessary for me.
Thank you thank you thank you,
Sincerely,
Wolf Rider aka Marisa" – Marisa, aka "Wolf Rider"